Livent to loose Seuss on B’way

NEW YORK — Livent Inc. confirmed previous reports Tuesday that the company will develop a Broadway musical based on the works of Dr. Seuss. “The Seussical” will include such characters as the Grinch, Horton the Elephant and Sam I Am, and is being planned for an early 1999 debut.

Livent has commissioned Ken Ludwig, who wrote the book for “Crazy for You” and the play “Lend Me a Tenor,” to write the story for “Seussical” based on the original tales penned by Theodore Geisel under the pseudonym Dr. Seuss. “Seussical” is expected to be a book musical, not a revue.

Once Ludwig completes his treatment, Livent will hire a composer and lyricist, said Livent chairman Garth H. Drabinsky. The project will then move through the readings and workshops process the Toronto-based company used to develop its current production, “Ragtime.”

Livent acquired the rights to the Seuss works from Geisel’s widow and executor, Audrey Geisel, for an undisclosed sum